Study Sees Decrease in School Bus Passing Citations

Study Sees Decrease in School Bus Passing Citations

Tempe, AZ –Results from American Traffic Solutions’ (ATS) latest review of its CrossingGuard School Bus Stop Arm Safety Camera Programs show the automated enforcement systems continue to deter drivers who might otherwise illegally pass a stopped school bus and put children in danger.

The analysis found that 99 percent of drivers who received one ticket for passing a school bus with its stop arm extended did not receive a second violation. Additionally, ATS found a nearly 40 percent decrease in the number of violations issued. Both of these are strong indicators that drivers are changing their behavior.

“CrossingGuard is an effective school bus stop arm safety camera system that helps school bus drivers protect their young passengers,” said ATS spokesperson Charles Territo.

According to the latest survey of bus drivers by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation, an estimated 14 million drivers illegally passed stopped school buses last year, an average of nearly 78,000 each day. Some drivers boldly commit their infraction by passing on the side of the entrance/exit door.

ATS’ analysis, which studied data from August 2014 to May 2016, found that nearly two-thirds of the violations captured occurred during afternoon drop off.

“School bus stop arm running is bigger issue than most people think. We’re honored to partner with districts throughout the country to address this problem and enhance child safety,” added Territo.

Currently ATS is in partnership with 23 school districts to operate CrossingGuard school bus stop arm safety cameras in four states: Georgia, Maryland, Virginia and Texas.